Fishing lure system and kit having replaceable features and construction

ABSTRACT

A flexible fishing lure is provided that includes a outer shape having a transverse opening for receiving a plurality of alternatively formed lure fin members allowing a user to change the action of a lure by fin selection without replacing the lure. Multiple internal channels within the lure are adaptively provided for receiving a variety of scent sticks, sound generators, light generators, flavor generating means. Flow internal channels extend from a front opening to gill openings allowing a water flow along an inserted scent or flavor stick member to pass through the lure body and exit proximate fin, nair, belly, or other locations simulating an injured or wounded fish leaking bodily fluids or blood. Other features to simulate wounded features. Replacement fins and weighting constructions allow a user to tailor a weight and action enabling a circling or injured motion during retrieval. The lure includes a flexible holographic-type attractive film and physical shape having a level-maintaining physical shape.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 15/934,144 filed Mar.26, 2018; which is in turn a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 14/754,871filed Jun. 30, 2015 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,936,681 on Apr. 10, 2018,which in turn is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/916,211 filed Jun.12, 2013 now U.S. Pat. No. 9,095,128 which is a continuation of U.S.Ser. No. 12/525,979 filed on Oct. 10, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,319issued Jul. 23, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated byreference, which in turn claims priority from PCT/US08/61827 filed Apr.28, 2008, which claims priority form U.S. Ser. 60/914,230 filed Apr. 26,2007, U.S. Ser. No. 60/914,220 filed Apr. 26, 2007, and U.S. Ser. No.60/914,223 filed Apr. 26, 2007, the contents of each of which areincorporated herein fully by reference.

FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

FIG. 22A, 22B

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fishing lures. More specifically, thepresent invention relates to a fishing lure system and kit havingoptional replaceable features, improved fish-attracting construction,and adaptive lure engagement means.

2. Description of the Related Art

The related art involves a plurality of fishing lures and fishing lureadaptations, each focused on particular goals as identified inrespective reference. As clearly noted in the related art, eachadaptation is available for its own specific purpose and not another.The focus of each adaptation is specific for the particular purposestated.

Fishing lures have heretofore consisted of familiar, expected andobvious structural configurations to mimic healthy bait with therequired physical operation of the lures by fisherman.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,391 to Hubbard, the contents of which areincorporated fully by reference, a plurality of flexible lures areconstructed from plastisol via injection molding or other techniquesknown to those of skill in the lure-manufacturing arts.

Hubbard, additionally discloses the inclusion of reflective foil,embossed foil, polyester, embossed film, mettalized film, embossedmettalized film, holographic foil film, and holographic mettalized film,within the body or on the surface of a soft flexible lure, whereaspreviously such coatings or reflective materials had operated as surfacecoatings or films. Hubbard also discusses previously recognized luremanufacturing techniques and constructions, and limits the discussion toa preferred method for including such reflective foils or films within alure.

Finally, the related art, in Hubbard '391 and others as noted below,discuss a plurality of alternative lure construction shapes, withdiffering tails, differing bodies, differing shapes, and sizes allmimicking or attempting to mimic the actions of healthy prey bait forfish. These differing shapes and sizes include representations of shapesother than fish, such as crayfish, birds, amphibians, etc. but all suchshapes are incorporated herein by reference and all mimic healthy prey.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,831,765 to Bradshaw, a simplified disclosure isprovided wherein a holographic image of a fish or other living creaturesuch as a grasshopper, or any portion of a natural environment such asgrass, including (for the fish) its eye is formed on the body of thelure. Optionally a light source is provided to illuminate a holographicimage of the lure. A brief discussion of the complex multiplexingprocess for producing holographic images is discussed to describe how alife-like representation of a desirable healthy living animal mayproduced on a two-dimensional image. These discussions are alsoincorporated fully by reference.

Additional references are discussed below, each incorporated byreference in their entirety.

In US 2006/020176 to Yeung, a lure apparatus and system are providedwhere reinforced flexible segments are provided in an effort to simulateswimming in a life-like manner while being retrieved or trolled. Amethod of manufacturing a sports fishing lure involving a film isdiscussed and a number of differing lure shapes are discussed.

Also incorporated by reference are US App. No. 2006/0236588 to Rapelje,which addresses a number of alternative lure designs, and US App. No.2006/0174535 to Beer et al., which provides a form of rattle-typefishing tackle rattle mechanism involving a rolling or rattling ballwithin a capsule that is fixed in the lure. The contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

In US App. No. 2005/0252069 to Pool et al, an electronic flashingfishing lure is provided wherein a sensor triggers the lure's operationin an effort to trigger fish response to a health prey-bait fish.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 noted in US 2002/0189150 to Thorne, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, acastable fishing lure 1000 has a segmented body joining a plurality ofrigid body members 1001 via a rigid wire pivot ring assembly 1002 toattempts to provide a simulation of a healthy life-form swimming actionnoted at arrows 1003A, 1003B. A number of hooks 1004 are affixed and afishing line 1005 is rigidly mounted to the front rigid body member1001A. Due to the unpredictable nature of the hooks 1004 swinging,motion of the fishing pole pulling lure 1000, variable tension on line1005 and other factors the tail segment member 1001B is caused to makean undesirable rubbing or scrapping-sound when contacting the surfacesof the head segment member 1001A along the inner channel 1006 containingthe pivot ring assembly 1002.

Referring now to FIG. 3, noted in US 2001/0047609 to Orgeron, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference, abobber-suspended lure system 1010 includes a bobber member 1011 and alive shrimp shaped lure 1012. A separate line 1013 is slidably connectedto a hook 1014 fixed into the body of lure 1012 and includes a portion1013A that exits the body of lure 1012 before connecting with the hook1014. As discussed in Orgeron, the line portion 1013A increases ordecreases depending upon the movement 1015 of bobber 1011 floating on awave-motion surface (not shown). In this way the hook 1014 is drawnforward bending lure 1012 to create a shrimp-backward-swimming motion tomimic the live healthy action of a fresh shrimp. An unfortunatedetriment to this construction is that it requires line member 1013A toslide into and out of lure 1012 every fraction of a second or sodepending upon wave action or fishing-pole action by a user(approximately one to five movements per second), and this friction online 1013A causes it to fray and break rapidly, causes damage to lure1012, and ultimate loss of lure 1012.

In US App. 2002/0178643 to Brodeur, a fishing lure includes aparticularly selected curved shape to aid “action” during retrieval tomimic a live healthy bait-prey fish. The entire content of thisreference is also incorporated by reference.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,517,781 to Paoletta et al., a scent dispensing wormlure includes a fluid reservoir for holding scented fluid and the wormbody is constructed from a resilient material such that a fish bite willcompress the fluid reservoir causing the dispensing thereof.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,807,766 to Hughes et al, it is suggested to provide alure body having a casement for receiving an electronic insert. Theinsert is operated by a microcontroller programmed to implement at leastone sequence of operation implemented by at least one of a LED lightemitter, a vibration-producing device and an audio transducer. Anelectrical power supply in the insert provides power to the devices andmicrocontroller, and a pair of externally exposed contacts switches themicrocontroller ON when bridged by water containing electrolytes, aswould be found in a fishing area. Hughes also suggests that thisexternal fluid switch also produces an electrical field around the lure,this electrical field also serving to simulate healthy living foodcreatures to entice fish to bite the lure. The entire contents of thisreference are incorporated by reference herein.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,922,937 to Gilbert, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference, a fishing lure consisting of an arched hollowbody with an interior bait chamber is provided. The interior chamber isdivided into a buoyancy chamber and a bait chamber. A number of smallopenings are formed in the outer body to enable scent and bait particlesto be broadcast from bait stored within the bait chamber as the lure ispassed through the water. Access to the bait chamber is further providedby either a hinged cover or by a hinged connection formed in the lurebody between the buoyancy chamber and the bait chamber. Once removedfrom the water, access to the bait chamber is readily obtained throughmovement of either the cover or the hinged lure body for re-supplyingbait prior to supplemental use of the lure.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,174,669 to Kallas, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference, a lure includes an internal hollow cavityhaving a plurality of scent releasing apertures that produce a powerfulscent trail that attracts game fish in a manner particular to the designof Kallas.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,349 to Pacora, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference, a clear pivoting member is pivotallyattached to the upper side of a base member of a lure at its forward endso that it pivots and swings upward from the lower body base to mimic alive and healthy prey fish. When the pivoting member is swung upward, aremovable insert of varying colors and appearances and of correspondingshape can be placed within the cavity of the pivoting member, and theupper body is then pivoted downward and snap-fit to the lower body base.The removable insert is thus held within the cavity of the pivotingmember. A fisherman can change the color, appearance or shape of anartificial fishing lure by replacing one artificial fishing lure plugwith another in an attempt to replicate a healthy and fish-attractiveprey fish.

The contents of US App. 2001/0047609 to Orgeron et al, U.S. Pat. No.7,104,004 to Renosky, U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,975 to Edwards, U.S. Pat. No.6,301,823 to Monticello et al., US App. 20060053679 to Milaneso, andU.S. Pat. No. 5,806,234 to Nichols, are also entirely incorporatedherein by reference to provide additional understanding to the reader.

What is not appreciated by the related art is however, the need for afish lure system having a replaceable fin members and a plurality offish-attention capturing features operable as a kit in combination witha recognition that game fish are predators that recognize the traits ofa wounded bait fish. Despite extensive efforts in the field no priorefforts have focused on intentionally representing a damaged or woundedbait animal that is less then healthy.

What is also not appreciated by the related art is need for a lure kitdetail allowing a hook, or a lure having a hook, to engage with adiffering lure portion or popper head member to form an alternative lureassembly in a rapid manner.

What is also not appreciated is the need for such a lure-type kitconstruction that allows for ready adaptation and modification tofishing conditions without having to replace the lure body memberitself.

What is similarly not appreciated by the related art is the need for akit or system allowing improved use of scent, light, sound, weightmotion/action, colorants, and fish-bite attractant textures thatovercomes the difficulties noted above.

What is similarly not appreciated by the related art is the combinationof a lure that includes a plurality of internal channels for receivingones of scent, light, sound, and weight-motion/action modifying inserts.

Additionally, what is not appreciated by the relate art is the inclusionof a weighted or rattle-sound type generating member that is positionedinternal to a flexible lure allowing for secure engagement and readyshipping as a kit for a post-purchase user.

What is not appreciated by the related art is the need for a lure havinga physical structure capable of giving retrieval action that resemblesan action simulating wounded prey in a visible manner, for example,including fish-visible bite-wound damage that may cause non-uniform lureaction during retrieval.

What is also not appreciated by the related art, is the need for a lurethat may additionally include ribs or rib-like grooves along the sidesof a lure that induce a lure to wobble or aid bending as the lure moves.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved flexible lure thatindicates a physical bite-wound damage site, involves a red-woundcolorant proximate the damage site, and includes rib-like grooves toinduce a wobble movement, ultimately rendering the lure lessfluid-dynamic during retrieval.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Due to the system-type and kit-type-nature of the present systeminterchangeability will be recognized by one of skill in the artstudying this disclosure will recognize; and such a skilled individualwill also necessarily note that each and every embodiment of the presentinvention need not match each object or aspect of the inventiondiscussed below. Nor will each object or aspect of the invention bereflected in every claim. As a result, the features, systems, andassemblies noted and discussed in terms of their multiple aspects mustbe considered flexibly and not in a rigid lock-step analysis with anyparticular aspect or object.

One optional and alternative goal of the present invention is to providea flexible lure system and adaptive kit system that responds to at leastone of the concerns noted above.

The lure system and kit according to the present invention departssubstantially from the conventional concepts and designs and in so doingprovides an apparatus developed for the purpose of imitating the sight,sound, and natural movement of a wounded bait animal that is adaptablevia selectable and interchangeable features to a variety of specificwounded bait animal species having widely different prey-avoidancedemands. Similarly, a user may wish to adjust the specific features ofthe wounded bait animal to attract a specific type or species ofpredator game fish. For example, a wounded bait animal may be prayedupon by two species of predator game fish, one which feeds in themorning and prefers the scent of fish blood, and one which feeds in theevening and is insensitive to fish blood but is attracted to light andglitter or bubble generation. Here, a user may tailor the features ofthe wounded prey animal to match the desired predator game fish.

Another optional and alternative goal of the present invention is toprovide a lure that includes one or more internal open-ended orclosed-ended channels for receiving optional sound, scent, light, andweight modifying inserts or may act also as chambers (without exit), oras passage ways to other exit points on a lure; including nair openings,gill openings, belly openings, tail openings, back openings, etc.

Another optional and alternative goal of the present invention is toprovide a lure kit or system that enables replaceable fin features forready assembly prior to production and modifications in the field ofuse, for example upon fin-loss or fin-damage.

Another optional and alternative goal of the present invention is toprovide an internal sound generating device; namely a rattle-typefishing tackle sound generating device as well as any other type ofsound generating device (for example a loud bubbling sound) insertablewithin a flexible lure, or an internal light generating device; namely achemical light stick member positioned removably internal to the lure,and selectable by color (red, orange, green, blue etc.) to enhancewounded prey-fish lure-attraction. It is also contemplated that a light,or small-sized LED (light emitting diode), with computer enhancedprogrammable action imitating, sequence, intensity, color etc. mayadditionally be employed.

Another optional and alternative goal of the present invention is toprovide an improved lure that indicates a physical bite-wounddamage-type indicator, for example the use of internal glowing red-lightto illuminate a wound site, the use of unbalanced or damaged fins, theuse of a fin member on only one side, the use of damaged top finmembers.

The present invention relates to a flexible fishing lure is providedthat includes a outer shape having a transverse opening for receiving aplurality of alternatively formed lure fin members allowing a user tochange the action of a lure by fin selection without replacing the lure.Multiple internal channels within the lure are adaptively provided forreceiving a variety of scent sticks, sound generators, light generators,flavor generating means. Flow internal channels extend from a frontopening to gill openings or fin or nair/nose allowing a water flow alongan inserted scent or flavor stick member to pass through the lure bodyand exit proximate fin, gill, or nair locations simulating an injured orwounded prey fish. Other adaptive features enhance a lure attraction orsimulate wounded features. Adaptive fins and weighting constructionsallow a use to tailor a weight and action of a lure enabling a circlingor injured motion during retrieval. The lure includes a flexibleholographic-type attractive film and includes a physical shape having alevel-maintaining physical shape and easy retrieval but with improvedattractive play (increased relative flexibility). Additional rib-likeside grooves induce a wobble movement and a fluid disturbance to enhancethe fish-attractive features during retrieval. The present inventionalso proposes that the inclusion of a rattle-type sound generatingmember retained elastically within the lure body will improve fishingresults, and lure-user fishing pleasure.

In another optional and alternative embodiment of the present invention,either flexible or rigid lure bodies may include any form of decorationor attractive features that are known to those of skilled in the art oridentified in the references incorporated herein by references.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a flexible fishing lure system, comprising:a fishing lure body, the lure body being flexibly formed and having anouter periphery, at least one means for receiving and securing a fin inthe lure body, the means for receiving including at least onefin-receiving opening, and at least one replaceable fin insert-able inthe one fin-receiving opening, whereby the fishing lure may be readilyprovided with replacement fins.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a flexible fishing lure system, wherein:the fin is optionally a flexible fin and a rigid fin, and the finincludes at least one of a profile-shape selection, a color selection,and a size selection, and a raggid-bitten-shape selection, whereby thefishing lure system enables a user to readily assemble and replace theone fin to match one desired by a predator fish.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a flexible fishing lure system, furthercomprising:

at least one means for making noise, and means within the fishing lurebody for replaceably receiving the means for making noise, whereby thelure system enhances a fish attracting feature.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a flexible fishing lure system, furthercomprising: at least one holographic attractive film within the fishinglure body, whereby an attractive ability of the fishing lure system isimproved.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a flexible fishing lure system, wherein:the lure body is formed from a composition containing a flexiblepolymer, preferably silicone.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a flexible fishing lure system, wherein:the fishing lure body further includes at least one recess in the lurebody as means for representing a wounding-region feature, and the atleast one recess means includes at least one of a bite-mark type recessand a ribbing-type recess, whereby the at least one recess improves anattraction feature of the fishing lure system.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a flexible fishing lure system, wherein:the means for representing a wound-region includes the bite mark recesswith the a location of the bite-mark recess being at a selectionposition between a head of the lure and a tail region along a bottombelly of the fishing lure.

According to an optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a flexible fishing lure, comprising: apreformed fishing lure fish body, the lure body being flexiblely formedand having an outer periphery, means for representing a wound-region onthe lure body by forming a recess inset in the lure body relative to theouter periphery, and the recess includes at least one of a bite-markrecess and a plurality of rib-type recesses along a bottom belly andside region of the lure, and a wounded flesh color reflecting lightalone or in combinations in the wavelengths of red, orange, and yellow.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a flexible fishing lure, wherein: the recessis the bite-mark recess, and a red-color wavelength reflecting region isproximate the bite-mark recess, whereby the red-colored regionrepresents a red-blood color reflection of natural blood, therebyenhancing the attraction of an external game fish to the lure.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a flexible fishing lure, wherein: the recessis both the bite-mark recess and the plurality of rib-type recesses andan irregular shaped (teeth-marked) type recess, whereby the combinationof the recess types function to cause the lure to wobble and flex duringuse to enhance prey attraction.

According to another optional and alternative embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a flexible fishing lure, wherein: the recessis the plurality of rib-type recess along a bottom belly and the sideregion of the lure, and the rib-type recesses are at least one of agroup comprising: dual side recesses, slanted recesses, recesses along aportion of a perimetral boundary of the outer periphery lure, andrecesses in alternating patters about an common lure center line,whereby the rib-type recesses may be readily selectable by a manufactureto achieve a desired retrieval play action of the lure.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a flexible fishing lure, wherein: the lure body is formed froma composition containing silicone.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a flexible fishing lure, wherein: the means for representing awound-region includes the bite mark recess enabling a location of thebite-mark recess at a selection position between a head of the lure anda tail region along a bottom belly of the fishing lure.

According to another optional and alternative aspect of the presentinvention a lure system is provided that appeals to all five (5) sensesof a game fish, with interchangeable fins, weights, rattles, lights,colors, and “Scent Stick” attractants and treble hook harness and multiuniversal inner chamber system.

According to another optional and alternative aspect of the presentinvention, it is proposed that the present invention creates the firstfishing lure or soft plastic bait to have interchangeable and selectablesized pectoral, anal, lateral fins, this fishing lure can be made ofhard plastic, soft plastic, wood, metal, or alternate material orcombination of these materials, the unique fins stiffness, thickness,viscosity, and angle construction will alter the lure performance andcan be made of hard plastic, soft plastic, wood, metal or alternatematerial or combination of these materials, these fins connect to thelure with removable locking pin or pins to secure fin into bait, thesefins can be different colors, shapes, or clear with sparkles to simulatescales, they create a unique life like visual effect employing anytechnology presently known to those of skill in the art or noted in theincorporated references (the context of each of which is hereinincorporated again) to the lure or bait while contributing and enhancingthe realism and swimming action, they also give off a unique lowfrequency water turbulence that is picked up by the predatory fish as alateral line to seam more realistic and life like, these fins also willchange the vertical and horizontal decent of the bait they are attachedto creating a glide effect, and altering the hydro-dynamic principals ofthe lure or bait enabling the same lure or bait to travel in differentlevels of the water column for extend period of the depending on thesize fin used and the lift that size fin will give the lure of bait.

It is another aspect of the present invention that a fishing lure orartificial bait may include a “Scent Stick” or fishing lure flavor stickor multiples or combinations of the same; each of which serves as anattractant that is a water soluble hard or semi-hard/flexible stick thatslowly dissolves in water based upon density and many other factors,permeating the surround areas with fish attractants, made of but notlimited to fish oils, fish parts, fish scales, fish enzymes, fish fattyacids, fish amino acids, fish pheromones, fish blood, ground up worm,crayfish, shrimp, lobster, shellfish, and verity of fish species andother dies, scales, synthetic scales, having a particular dimension forinsertion in the lure and having alternative physical forms to aid waterflow and dissolution as will be discussed more fully below.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a “Bloody Anal Fin”display and/or a “Bloody Belly Wound” configuration, where the presentbait or lure provides a unique impression that simulates a wound orprevious attack bait fish damage in the lure's anal fin area that willgenetically triggers fish to eat or to feed capitalizing on theeasy-meal of a weak or wounded bait fish, this impression also acts anenhanced flex point, a wound and disbursement impression and adiscontinuous region.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide one or a seriesof chamber that run through the lure or soft plastic bait all havedifferent functions but all work together as one unique system, they canbe used individually for different functions, for a verity of uses, in avariety of locations (from head, middle, tail, top, bottom, side-side)of the lure creating a flex points, and disbursement wound feeling whenbeing bitten by a fish that further stimulates and simulates a mark madeby a larger fishing biting a smaller fish, these openings will also actsas a point of disbursement for the aforementioned scent stick scentsthrough the scent disbursement chambers upon biting, and such bitingwill be further enhanced to feel softer by the reduced cross-sectionalarea of the lure, as well as a point of insertion for a rattle,colorant, light, or weight chamber and may also serve as a passage foran additional treble hook harness.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description read inconduction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional fishing lure havinga rigid segmented body.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the conventional fishing lure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a conventional fishing lure for ashrimp in combination with a conventional bobber member.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a fishing lure including areplaceable fin construction and a plurality of openings according toone aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 4 noting the bottom smooth surface.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line 6-6 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a replacement fin.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view along line 8-8 in FIG. 4 notingthe hole for receiving the fin of FIG. 7 and the scent stick or rattleof FIG. 4.

FIG. 8A is a partial perspective view of an alternative bite markshowing a ragged edge as if from a toothed-bite of a prey fish.

FIG. 8B is the perspective view of FIG. 4 noting the use of analternative fluid filled or rattle filled chamber that will fill thebite or would region and an alternative replacement anal fin member thatcan be similarly secured in place via two receiving holes and plugs;such that either of the chamber or the fin member may additionallyinclude a fluid containing region to dispense taste fluid upon a bitingof a prey fish.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial bottom sectional view of the embodiment in FIG. 9noting the positioning of the fin securing pin, and the use of multipleside passages to disperse attractant.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of region 11 on FIG. 9 noting thealternative use of a secondary replacement side fin (similar to FIG. 4),and the additional inclusion of a bottom tail or second anal fin for thelure itself; each with a securing pin an a preferred but optionalembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of region 12 in FIG. 9 noting theexit of the transit body opening the top hook exit, the gap in thedorsal (top) fin, and the flexible tail extending from the dorsal (top)fin.

FIG. 13 is a partial side elevational view of an optional lure accordingto the present invention, wherein the lure is in a weed-free orientationas the point of the main hook is along-side of or partially in thedorsal fin allowing the dorsal fin to direct weeds and plant matter awayfrom the hook during retrieval.

FIG. 14 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention showing a two stage removable head member and a segmentedpectoral fin and a paddle tail construction with an exploded fin lockingpin member.

FIG. 14A is a partial view of FIG. 14 showing the removable head memberin a removed condition with a locking pin secure hole on the main body.

FIG. 14B is a partial view of FIG. 14 showing the removable head memberin a removed condition with a locking pin secure hole on the headmember.

FIG. 14C is a close up sectional view of the lure embodiment in FIG. 14wherein a hook is inserted and the head member and the replaceable finmember attached by locking pins.

FIG. 14D is a partial perspective view of the region 14D in FIG. 14Cwherein replacement eye members and locking stalks allow rapidreplacement of lost eye features, replacement of eye colors, use of‘wounded-looking’ or red eyes or different color eye-backing members.

FIGS. 15 and 15A′ are partial views of the tail of FIG. 14, wherein asplit tail is presented and optional positioning openings are presentedin multiple aspects of the tail region.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D are side views of alternative insertableweight members having retaining structures which allow optional use ofvarious weights without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 16A through 16F are prospective side views of alternativeinsertable scent stick constructions that may include scent sticks,bubble or oxygen generating sticks, blood sticks, light generatingsticks, glitter containing sticks, or other attractants and multiplecombinations of the same, and optionally dissolvable construction stickmembers having a variety of shapes.

FIGS. 17A through 17C represent alternatively constructed fin lockingpins for securing fin members (FIGS. 18D-18G) to a lure body constructedfrom any material including plastics, metals, rubbers, silicone,polymers, wood, and combinations thereof.

FIGS. 18A through 18H represent top and associated side or sectionalviews along noted sectional lines of replaceable fin constructions.

FIG. 18I is a front view of a lure of the present system including aweighted fin and optionally a weighted retaining pin according to FIG.18F, wherein such assembly causes asymmetric buoyancy of the lure andresults in a rotation around rotation point R during retrieval and anassociated yaw-rotation Y about the vertical center of the lure.

FIGS. 19A through 19D are side views of alternatively shaped soundgenerating and partially or fully insertable rattle members includingalternative protrusion designs.

FIG. 19E is a combination of a sound generating device and a scent,color, taste, or other attractant stick within a holding member allowingjoint combination within a lure body in the same insertion path as anoptional variation of lure attractant.

FIG. 20 is an alternative construction of FIG. 14C noting the inclusionof an alternative hook feature via multiple optional internal bodychannels, allowing adaptive hook positioning.

FIGS. 21, 21A, and 21B show an adaptive key lock member for a universallure attachment system, shown here with a preferred popper-headconstruction, wherein an attachment head receives a hook member and akey lock member to secure the same to a lure lead member, noting ahook-shank locking pin system for engaging a hook with a lureattachment. It should also be recognized that the hook may be firmlyfixed to the head and simply driven/pushed into the lure body.

FIG. 22A is a side view noting a mouth or front entry flow channelconnecting with gill exit channels of a lure construction.

FIG. 22B is a partial top cross sectional view along line 22B-22B inFIG. 228A noting the inter-connection from a central channel allowingflow of scent or other taste attractant members from gill openings of alure from a scent region.

FIG. 23A is a side view noting a mouth or front entry flow channelconnecting with gill exit channels only of a lure construction.

FIG. 23B is a partial top cross sectional view along line 23B-23B inFIG. 23A noting alternatively shaped inner flow channels to enhancewater and volume flow.

FIG. 24 is an exploded side view of a super-popper head member versionadaptable to engage an existing lure.

FIG. 25A is a front perspective view of an alternative cylindraceoussuper-popper head construction configures to secure cylindraceous lures.

FIG. 25B is a front perspective assembly view of an alternativesuper-popper head construction configured to enhance lure action andincluding a plurality of inner channels for use in a manner discussedherein (including scents, weights, color or light generators, etc.) withan optional secure locking pin to secure the same to the lure.

FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of an assembly as noted in FIG. 24 or25B of the super-popper head and a lure body. It is noted that the hookengagement aids securing the popper head but this is not required andthat the lure-line attachment remains on the lure itself and need not betransferred to the popper head as in FIGS. 21, 21A, and 21B.

FIG. 27 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein ahookless lure having the features discussed herein may be equipped witha side-mounted hook projected through the lure body or via pre-formedlure body openings at an angle that is non-parallel with the longaxis-direction of the lure, allowing non-standard rotation and pivotaction of the lure during retrieval.

FIG. 28, is an alternative embodiment of the present invention similarto FIG. 27 wherein the look placement or position is perpendicular tothe long axis-direction of the lure.

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of a kit assembly according toone embodiment of the present invention, wherein a plurality of hookedand un-pre-hooked lures are provided in combination with spare hooks,weights, locking pins, attractant sticks, replacement fins, and otherelements as noted herein.

FIG. 30 is an alternative lure construction (non-fish) shown as a crabincluding each of the features noted in earlier discussions. In FIG. 30,insertion openings, replaceable legs (in place of replacement fins), abite mark and other items are noted.

FIG. 31 is an alternative perspective view of the lure noted in FIG. 30with a through hook, a bite-mark portion noting a wounded-quality andcontaining receiving openings for weights, attractants, bladders (asnoted in FIG. 8B), etc. As similarly noted in FIG. 8A a ragged bite markmay be employed.

FIG. 32 additionally is similar to FIG. 31 wherein a through passage inthe body of the lure is provided (as in FIG. 20) for passage of a hookedline.

FIG. 33 represents an adaptive alternative of the present invention,wherein a silicon lure is presented as a shrimp, a worm, a leach orother generally lengthy member and includes a bite mark region noting awound and an inserting member in combination with a hook.

FIG. 34 is an exploded view of an alternative of the present invention,wherein a silicon lure is presented as a shrimp, worm, or leach (shownhere), including a wounded region, replacement front tip with includedscent stick or weight or other attractant member, and a transversepositioned hook.

FIG. 35 is a flexible attractant view of the lure as in FIG. 33 but witha through-positioned treble hook member.

FIG. 36 is an alternative flexible lure according to the presentinvention, wherein a frog-shaped member includes a wounded region alsoincluding a receiving opening for receiving a scent or other attractiveitem.

FIG. 37 is an alternative flexible lure, as in FIG. 36, wherein areplaceable member (the frog leg) is similar to the replacement finmember in FIG. 4 and may be replaced from a plurality of differentlyweighted, shaped, colored, and wounded type limb members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of theinvention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawingsand the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. Thedrawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. Forpurposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such astop, bottom, up, down, over, above, and below may be used with respectto the drawings. These and similar directional terms should not beconstrued to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words“connect,” “couple,” and similar terms with their inflectional morphemesdo not necessarily denote direct and immediate connections, but alsoinclude connections through mediate elements or devices.

Referring generally now to FIGS. 4 thorough 8, a silicon based,elastomeric or plastisol type-fishing lure is provided at 100 in asimilar plastic-forming technique as that noted in the earlierreferences incorporated herein again by reference. A series of recesses15 along sides a body member 10 such that the bait lure is additionallyrendered flexible and provides a life-like action to rod-motion duringretrieval. Similarly, recesses 15 help to simulates “wounded prey” andwill enhance game-fish strikes on the lure via lure/water interactionduring retrieval.

Body member 10 includes a head region 1, a tail region 2, and a centralregion 3 between the two. Eye members 4 are provided along with gillcolorants 5 in head region 1 or gill-molded regions 6 to simulate thegills and colorations of a live bait fish.

During normal operation, an eye ring 8 is fixed to a fishing line (notshown), and lure 100 is drawn through water via retrieval in a mannersimulating bait-fish action.

During such retrieval tail region 2 flexes vertically as shown at A, Aand also flexes horizontally as shown at B-B to simulate a fish-tail ina combined motion.

One or more recesses 15 are provided as shown and include one or morefully optional bite-mark recess 16 that pass from one side of the lurebody 3 to the other, and a plurality of rib-type recesses 17 arrayedalong a side portion of the lure body. In the side view noted in FIG. 4,the perimetral edge (the outer shape) is continuous when viewed, but asnoted particularly in the cross-section in FIG. 6, recesses 17, extendinwardly to main body member 10, while the tail region 2 is visible inthe rear.

During retrieval, water washes over recesses 17 causing lure 100 toadditionally wobble, generate disturbances in the water, and otherwisebring instability in an attempt to attract fish. Recesses 17 may be inthe form noted and positioned on the lower side periphery portions oflure 100. For example, recesses 17 may slant forward, rearward,vertically, and may be of deeper or shallower construction. As shownbest in FIG. 4, the preferred recesses 17 are shallow channels formedduring or after the molding process. It is envisioned that theserecesses 17 may assist the user in tricking game fish into believing thelure 100 is “slashed” or exhibits a “bitten” and “injured” effectsimulating “wounded prey” and hence an instinctive desire to bite.

Noting particularly FIG. 5, a bottom surface 101 and a sloped leadingedge 102 enable lure 100 to pass through water and remain on a continualplane due to the long and reasonably flat bottom surface 101. Thus, thepresent invention proposes the ability to glide through the waterwithout immediately diving or rising from an initially set depthallowing a user to “play” the bait in a convenient manner without undueeffort to maintain a consistent use-depth.

As noted in the related art, it is additionally envisioned, that lure100 may include internal holographic film 104 or other visualattractants formed internally so that as lure 100 flexes duringfishing-use or strike, film 104 is readily observable to provide animproved attractant feature. Similarly, and without limitation to thepresent preferred embodiment, film 104, or any other type of surfacecolorant or formed feature (for example scales 105 in FIG. 1) may beemployed on the surface of lure body 10 so as to glitter, and attractfish in a manner known to those of skill in the art.

It is additionally envisioned, that recess 16 as a bite mark mayoptionally included a wound-colored region 20, for example in the colorred and related visual color wavelengths recognized by game fish suchthat the color selected represents blood or injury from the“now-wounded” lure body 10.

It is therefore proposed that the present invention simulates “woundedprey” unlike any other. It is also proposed that those of skill in theart will recognize the one or more “bite-mark” recess 16 because of thecolorant (red) and because they think it represents a wound that willmake the baitfish easier to catch. The “bite-mark” feature as discussedgives lure 100 an irregular wobble action that attracts fish, due to theremoval of silicone material, weakening the integrity of the lure body100 causing tail region 2 to flex and appear “weak” or “wounded”. Thisweakness makes the lure swim or translate through the water duringretrieval in an unpredictable and asymmetric way, simulating the weak orinjured baitfish that predator species key-in on or are attracted to.

Additionally, the bite-mark recess features gives the lure an enhancedside-to-side wobble along lines A-A, B-B that additionally exposes anyinternal holographic or attractant foil and the holographic eyes 4 tomore direct light than other lures. This feature allows lure 100 toseemingly change colors when it is retrieved through the water and givesoff an easily visible, nature-type fish and glow that predator speciesare attracted to. Additionally, the red color signals to predatorspecies is a signal of a wounded, injured, or vulnerable bait fish.

It will be recognized that recesses also work in tandem (the bite markand the wounded rib-type features) to give the lure the life-like actionof a sick or wounded fish. Here, rib-type recesses are formed by removalor non-molding of silicon or plastisol type material causing the lure towobble and bend more as it swims. It is proposed that the overall shapeof lure 100 works together to lure the game fish with a unique,unpredictable, and injured action not found in other fishing lures.

The present preferred embodiments include a number of additionalattractant features. As noted in FIG. 4 through the end, one or more finmembers 110 is provided and includes opposing fin-texture sides 111,111, spaced by a generally central region 112. Fin member 110 fits andengages with lure 100 via fin-locating opening 115. Fin member 110 maybe made from any suitable material to enable sufficient bending andflexing for installation within fin-locating opening 115 (FIG. 4), forexample silicone.

While those of skill in the lure forming arts, as incorporated herein byreference again, and further to those incorporated references, finmember 110 may be formed in any suitably flexible, durable, and adaptivemanner, for example the use of Silicon or plastisol in a gel form.

Central region 112 allows users to readily insert a leading edge (anend) of fin 110, ultimately pulling fin 110 through lure 100 so that thetwo elements (body and fin) are in condition for use as a completed lure100 (FIG. 6). Fin 110 may be formed or molded by those of skill in theart to include veining or fin-texture (as shown in FIG. 7), but there isno requirement that this combination be filed of any specific type.

As will be additionally noted by those of skill in the art, foil member104 is considered to be “above” the normal plane of the fin-installationand so is not noted in FIG. 6, the cross-sectional view.

An additional feature combines lure body 100 with proposed rattle ornoise making system 120 containing a bounding outer member 121, and atleast one rattle member 121A and be shaped for insertion into apreformed opening 122, shown here as a circular passage, within lure100. Noise making system 120 may be formed as shown and simply makenoise by shifting during lure retrieval. As will be recognized by thoseof skill in the art having studied the present disclosure, passage 122may be any shape or geometry sufficient to receive and retain noisemaking system 120 (shown circular, may be rectilinear, triangular,ovoid, etc.). As an additional benefit of the present system, luremember 100 may be provided in a combinable kit form (See FIG. 29) with anumber of differing noise making systems 120 that may be combined in avariety of ways without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

While lure 100 is shown in the particular format preferred, nothingherein shall restrict lure 100 to this particular form or shape. Thus,for example, tail region 2 may be generally circular, forked, spiral,etc. all without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, it will be noted that alternativeembodiments are presented. In FIG. 8A a raw or ripped-out wound featureis presented at 15′ wherein a number prey-teeth marks 15′A are shownmolded on either side of the lure proximate indication region 20 havinga wound color. Additional a number of pseudo-ripped flesh tabs 15′Bproject and extend into bite region 15′ to simulate the resultant injuryfrom a ripping prey-fish action. In this way (FIG. 8A) thewounded-feature or wounded-indication system at 15 (et al.) may beadapted to various scenarios and to enhance the‘hunger/interest/instinct-impact’ prey-fish have to strike the lure 100.

As will be noted in FIG. 8B, additionally region 15, 16 may be filledwith replaceable feature members 16A, 16B having respective spud earmembers 16A′ projecting from either side to frictionally engage openings122, 122 to retain feature members 16A, 16B in place. As shown, featuremember 16A is a hollow region 16D bounding a volume containing a numberof rattling ball members 16E that click together during retrieval togenerate noise. Additionally, shown is an access portal 16F, allowingreplacement of ball members 16E or the insertion of a fluid or powderedscent attractant (e.g., fish paste, blood, glitter etc.), so that upon astrike a game fish may remove member 16A and upon biting receive a scentdisbursement into their mouth to increase their hunger; the action willalso render lure 100 to appear to be wounded with the loss of “flesh” inthe form of feature member 16A.

Feature member 16B is shown as a flexible fin member but may also behollow having a stress concentration region 16B′ such as a narrowing ora thinning in the wall of the fin so that any scent attractant storedtherein will be dispersed upon the strike when the force appliedpreferably renders open the region 16B′. Similarly, feature member 16Bwill generate a similar wounded-flesh feeling in a striking game fish bydelivering the scent and also by allowing them to feel a ‘particle’ of‘flesh’ in their mouths enticing them to return to strike lure 100fully. In this way, each of these feature members 16A, 16B may beemployed to fill wound-feature 16 in a way that also enhances theattraction of the lure 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 through 12 an adaptive flexible lureconstruction includes a plurality of inner chamber members 201 extendingfrom a lure entry location 202 into an interior of lure 200, or in thecase of chamber 201B may pass completely through the lure body. In othercases, additional side chambers 201A may extend from an inner chamber201 to an exterior of lure 200, as will be explained. As will be notedin the Applicant's related applications, lure entry location 202 may beformed as a ‘bite mark’ as noted in FIGS. 4, 9, but it will also berecognized that such bite marks may be positioned anywhere along thebody of lure 200 without departing from the present spirit and scope ofthe invention thereby allowing an improved “wounded bait” appearance.For example, a bite mark may be near a top side or near a tail at 202′(FIG. 9).

Additionally, as noted also in FIG. 12, at least one fin member 203 isremovably positioned and replaceably positioned along a top spinal axialdirection of lure 200 and includes a front portion 203A, and a rearportion 203B, having a detached flexible flag portion 203B′ that may beadaptively curved during manufacture to flutter during retrieval of lure200 or may be loosely constructed, so that the appearance of a movingfin is given during retrieval of lure 200. For removably and replaceablypositioning fin member 203 or fin portions 203A, 203B, it is envisionedthat a channel insertion receives a portion of front and rear fin member203 portions as shown and retains them until removed by a fish-strikingaction, allowing for their ready replacement or color selection upon auser choice or to be partially removed as an additionalwounded-simulation feature.

A lateral or middle fin opening 205 extends transversely through lurebody 200 from one side to the other and replaceably receives a finmember 206 (see examples at FIGS. 18D-18H), as shown that may be ofmultiple constructions as will be discussed. Extending from a bottomside of lure 200 is a channel 207 for receiving a locking pin member 208(not shown see examples at FIGS. 17A through 17C) and for extendingthrough an engaging hole 209 in fin member 206 to secure the same, aswill be discussed.

As will be appreciated, the present construction allows an angler toactually customize the lure in situ (in process during fishing) in aplurality of ways without departing from the initial lure body, orbetween lure bodies. Such interchangeability allows immediate adaptationto fishing conditions, fish preferences, and other fish attractingdetails.

Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 11, an alternative position for replacementor insertable lateral fin member 206′ or dorsal (bottom) fin member 206″is noted with associated through or insertion holes or openings 205′,205″, and associated locking pin members 208′, 208″. In this way, onemay reposition and remove fins along the length of lure member 200 tocustomize the lure as desired.

As noted additionally dorsal (bottom) fin member 206″ may be provided ina hollow liquid-filled configuration (as shown) so that when bitten oropened, disperses the liquid filling and where the filling is a bloodscent or other prey attractant provided an additional scent attractantto the system.

While lure 200 is shown with a paddle tail member 210, alternative tailconstructions, for example a split tail construction 211 is noted inFIG. 15A′. As such, tail member 210 may operate in any manner based uponthe construction material for lure 200, and any predetermined innercavity impacts. Tail member 210 may operate vertically along arcs V, V,horizontally along arcs H, H or any combination thereof.

Additionally referring now to FIG. 20, a top hook feature 212 projectsfrom top fin member 203 and, as will be noted more greatly in detail infuture figures (FIG. 20), an adaptive treble or other hook members 225,225′, and 225″ having an attachment lead member 226 and a fixing loopmember or link 227 will fix lead member 226 to hook 212 by simplysliding over the same (in a loop or a link) and may employ channels 201,201A, 201B as passage ways for the inclusion of alternative hookmembers. Since hook 212 and hook 225 are physically linked together bylink 227, a bite on either hook will capture the fish, and allowhooking-force to transmit along hook 212 to a user's rod a great benefitis provided as well as the flexibility to position hooks as desiredwithin the same lure. Another great benefit is that hooks 225, 225′, and225″ may be installed and removed by attaching to hook 212 without theneed to re-tie and reconnect to the main lure-line allowing a speedychange with great security attached to main hook 212. This provides aunique advantage not found in the related arts.

Similarly, while hook 225 is positioned below lure 200, it will bereadily recognized, that by adjusting a length of attachment lead member226 (a cable, chain, strand, filament, etc.) a variety of other internalchannels 201 may be employed without departing from the scope and spiritof the present invention. For example a tail extending hook 225′, a dualback extending hook 225″, or other location may be employed by simplyfeeding lead member 226 through a selected channel 201 to ultimatelyengage secured hook member 212 allowing force transfer. It is imaginedthat this tactic will be of particular use with game fish that attackfrom behind, as the major portion of hook 225′ may be concealed withinthe lure body tail portion until hit by the fish.

As noted, in the figures (FIG. 9), one or more eyes 227 are provided.Additionally, the present discussion contemplates, and hereinincorporates by reference all previously known attractive features andmethods noted in the references that have been incorporated by referenceherein, for example foils, sparkles, colors, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 14D an eye system 227′ includes one or morereplacement eye members 227A, each provided with a securing rod member227B having one or more friction enhancing features 227C such as barbs,a rough surface, diameter changes etc, similar to those pins 208 tosecure the fins. Additionally, a colored iris 227D may be additionallyused in combination so that eye members 227 may be adaptively andremovably secured in receiving holes 227E in the head member portion ofany lure member. In this way, one of skill in the art having studied thecomplete disclosure will recognize that eye members 227A, or irismembers 227D may be differently colored or with different reflectivequalities and maybe varied on either side of the lure. Additionally, oneof the eyes may be used with a red-color, or may be removed from thelure to indicate a wounded feature (eye loss). Of course, the presentinvention also recognizes that if eye-loss occurs at an undesirabletime, a replacement eye may be easily inserted in the lure.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an alternative lure construction 200′ isshaped with a weed dispersing or weed-splitting feature with a stiffenedor lengthened front fin portion 203A′ allowing hook member 212′ to bepositioned in contact on a side of fin 203A′ or to be imbedded lightlyin fin 203A′ (as shown) so that upon a fish strike the bite will freethe tip of hook member 212′ from the location near or in fin 203A tocatch the fish. In this way during retrieval water flow (and weed flow)is along direction W which directs any plant or other matter off thehook to disperse the weeds away from hook 212′. In this manner, thisweed-slitting feature may be employed with any of the other embodimentsdiscussed herein to provide an additional optional feature.

Referring now to FIGS. 14, and 14A through 14D, an alternative lureconstruction shape 300 includes top split fins 203 and a plurality ofchannels 201, 201A, and 201B, both in the body, head, and tail, andnotes the inclusion of hook 212. In this embodiment an alternativeconstruction includes a head member portion 310 form from asubstantially rigid material such as wood, metal, or plastic, and aflexible body member portion 311 formed from a substantially flexiblematerial such as silicone or plastisol as is known to those of skill inthe art. A joining wedge member 313 extends from optionally head memberportion or body member portion and includes a hole 312A in the bodyportion and a through hole 312B in the wedge member 313 for receiving afixing pin member 312 with friction fit teeth members similar to theweight system or pins for fixing in FIGS. 17A-17C. In operation, a usemay readily employ rigid head member 310 with a variety of replaceableflexible body member portions 311 in an interchangeable manner so thatupon destruction or non-use damage to flexible portion 311 it may bequickly replaced.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14C, where a hook member 212 extends fromrigid head member 310 it may be readily inserted into the flexible bodymember portion 311, as shown in FIG. 14C, to enhance lure constructionflexibility.

Referring now specifically now to FIGS. 15A-15D, internal channels 201,201A, 201B, in any location (body, tail, fin etc.) may receive optimallyformed weights 230A-230D of a weight system formed from any conventionalmaterial and being either rigid, or flexible, or both. Insertionretention means 231, in the form of projecting ribs, hooks, or spikesproject from outer surfaces of weight members 230A-230C to enable asecure insertion of the same within channels 201 and engagement withinthe walls thereof for a friction fit preventing unintended removal. Itis particularly useful to rapidly change and vary the weights for lures200, 300, as is discussed in the parent applications to thisapplication, noted earlier and again incorporated fully by reference, soas to allow the lures 200, 300 to sink uniformly, non-uniformly, spin,or sag as desired to attract fish, and the present product may be soldas a kit, having a plurality of replacement weights and other featureswithout departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It will be additionally recognized, that weights 230A-230D in the weightsystem may additionally be formed as fin members 206 (See FIGS.18DA-18H) and insertable into respective body fin holes 205, 205′, 205″,115, and any other fin hole receiving location, to additionally weight alure to enhance an attractive action, for example a balanced location ofa weighted front fin may be further enhanced by the insertion of aweighted stick in a tail section of the lure, as was disclosed in FIGS.15, 15A.

Additionally, weights 230A-230D in the proposed weight system are notrestricted to the shapes shown, but may be of any shape capable of usewith the lure system proposed. These weight shapes include, but are notlimited to barrel shapes, round shapes, spherical shapes, split shapes,fin-type shapes, or lastly the shape of the fin-fixing pins 208, 208′etc. may also be formed from a heavy material like metal to act as aweight.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A through 16F a plurality of so-called scentsticks 231 in a scent stick system are providing in differing physicalforms and having differing physical make-ups. It is envisioned that anyadapted scent stick may be removably inserted in inner channels 201,201A, 201B, etc., and may be combined with any other type of weight, orscent stick, or color generating member, as will be discussed.

As noted, scent sticks may include a blood scent, a flavor scent, maygenerate bubbles or oxygen via chemical reaction with surrounding water,and may generally be selected from any type of fish-attractant materialthat is pressed, squeezed, dried, evaporated, cut, extruded, orotherwise formed by known forming methods into a suitable shape.Similarly, scent sticks may be constructed from a number of solid andliquid compounds and even binders which when combined enable creation ofa dried stick-like shape. For example, a scent stick may contain byweigh approximately 0-10% oil, 0-50% fish powder, 0-30% starch, and0-25% shrimp, 0-40% dried fish blood in various combination with othertaste or smell elements or in combinations with other visual elementssuch as glitter (cut flakes or small particles of reflective or brightlycolored material) or bubble generating element (pressed NA₂OH₃, or othersubstance that reacts with water and generates visible bubbles), all insum amounting to 100 weight % for each stick.

In a specific (but non-limiting) example, a scent stick may contain 5%fish oil, 30% fish powder, 25% shrimp, 35% dried fish blood, 2.5%organic binder and 1.5% glitter and 1% bubble generator. This type ofscent stick will be substantially rigid when formed after drying butwill absorb water/moisture during continuous use and will slowlydissolve over a period of time when exposed to water/moisture. The rateof dissolution will depend upon the pressure used informing or extrudingthe scent stick, the chemical makeup of the water (by salt content, bypH, by temperature, the volume of scent stick exposed to the water, andby free elemental percentage (e.g., % of non H₂O in the water). It willbe recognized by those of skill in the art having read and understoodthe present disclosure that these weights and percentages may be variedwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention toprovide a variety of selectable products.

As noted, in FIG. 16B, scent sticks 231 may optionally include channelgripping members projecting as 232, may be formed in a shape not thesame as the inner geometry of inner channels 201, such as a triangularshape 233, rectangular shape 234, or may have flow channels 235 along anouter surface so as to allow water to penetrate inner channels 201,201A, 201B, etc. and to flow along the surface of scent sticks 231, andreact with the same to aid fish attraction when the water carries thedispersed scent from the lure into the prey fish's scent or taste senses(during trolling, retrieval, or during an actual prey fish strike).

Similarly scent sticks may be formed with stress-concentration featuresto create preferred fracture points (for example, periodic inwarddetents or grooves 235′ (FIG. 16D, others not shown) along the outersurface of a scent stick or radial grooves about the outer diameter ofthe stick) so that when bitten by a game fish, a non-dissolved solidportion of the scent stick will preferably break off at the stressconcentrator 235′ and optimally exit the lure and enter the mouth of thegame fish and be considered as a torn-off flesh-portion of a realwounded bait-fish to enhance the desire of the prey fish to consume thebait lure.

As will be additionally noted, scent sticks may be in fact a series ofscent pellets or smaller shapes capable of insertion within channels 201(all). Similarly such pellets or scent sticks may be constructed fromcombinations of types of scents (blood, flavor, bubble generating,etc.). Thus, in combination it is possible for an angler to customizethe “scent load” within a given channel 201, selecting for example acombo stick, or small pellets in series of (blood, blood, bubbles,flavor), as the combination will readily be inserted into a channel 201depending upon the location and length of a particular channel 201

As will be additionally noted in FIGS. 19A through 19D, a series ofsound generating members 240A-240D maybe formed for removable insertionalong channels 201, and may include balls 241 that shift internally tomake a rattling or clicking sound, in a manner discussed in theincorporated references. Similarly, it is envisioned that soundgenerating members 240 may also include protuberance members 242, 243that may be additionally colored or may be illuminated by chemical lightmeans to project from channels 201, or may be employed to fill“bite-marks” within a lure body as noted in FIG. 8B, for example. Asalso shown, herein sound generator 240 includes adaptive bulge member243 to fill the anal opening in the lure to improve fluid flow and aidsound generation when in use. In this way it is envisioned that a usermay selectively include a plurality of sound generators, lightgenerators, and scent generators within the same lure in a mannercustomized for a particular prey fish.

It should be additionally noted that sound generating weights and theircontainers may be constructed from any suitable material or combinationsof materials so as to vary the sound generated (for example glass beadsmake a different sound then lead balls). Thus, it is envisioned that aplurality of suitable materials may be employed including glass,Plexiglas, plastic, metals, stones, etc. all without departing from thescope and spirit of the present invention.

It is additionally included, but not pictured, that chemical colorgenerators (so called light-sticks, or other small sight-type sticksnoted in the sports industry) may be similarly inserted into innerchannels 201 to attract game fish during evening or other times of day,and that these would appear in a similar stick configuration as in FIG.19A

Additionally included, but not pictured, are the inclusion of soundemitting diodes or other sound emitting electronic devices (small-sized)in the form of small sticks or units insertable into channels oropenings in the lure body to aid game fish attraction.

Referring now to FIG. 19E it will be appreciated that a hollow tubemember 240′ may receive a sound generator 240A in combination with ascent stick 231 to provide a combined sound and scent or lightattractant system that sharply departs from the related art and allowsthe use of lures 100, 200, and 300 (or any of the other bait shapesnoted herein) under a wide variety of lighting and fishing conditions.

As noted in FIGS. 17A through 17C a number of locking pins 208,208A-208C are provided with a number of friction enhancing features 208Dto secure respective fin members to the body of lures 100, 200, and 300,or otherwise secure a replacement fin or lure appendage (e.g., headmembers 310 in FIGS. 14, 14A, and 14B) upon a press fit into therespective receiving through hole.

Referring now specifically to FIGS. 18A through 18H a plurality ofalternative fin-type constructions are provided. As noted in the presentdiscussion, respective fins 206 may include surface textures 111 (FIG.7) or as shown texture 250 such as veins, or gaps, may include anon-uniform or injured-appearing shape 251 having a shredded appearance.Similarly, fins 206 may be formed in any color, shape, and may includeinternal scent chemistry bound into the polymer as is known within theart (this is noted as decaying with time, a detriment immediately curedby the present invention. Colors may vary by side of the fins. A weightreceiving channel 201F noted in FIG. 18H, similarly to channels 201above, may be shaped to receive any form of insertable attractantdiscussed herein. Where a weight 230 is inserted in channel 201F (whichmay be a transverse or parallel orientation with a plane of the finmember 206), a single side fin member may sag (noted in FIG. 18IH)causing lure 200 to circle downwardly upon cast, appear wounded, andotherwise attract game fish.

Similarly, a plurality of positioning holes 209 for receiving fixingpins or locking pins 208, may be provided allowing a user to positionfins 206 off-center or off-balance to a lure body also increasing lureplay and serving as an attractant.

Referring now to FIGS. 21, 21A, and 21B, an alternative system for ahook lure lock system includes a head member 415 having an innerreceiving cavity 410 and an external attachment point 416 for joiningwith fishing line or other structure. An external slot 411 is providedfor receiving a locking pin member 410 in a flush-manner as will benoted from the construction design. A removable hook member 420 havingan eye socket is provided conventionally, or custom made to fit withinsocket 410 and based on the orientation of the eye socket is preventedfrom rotating relative thereto.

Alternative locking engagement members 410 may be shaped to fit withinflush opening 411. Alternatively an extending pin member (not shown)inserts along inner opening 410A so it engages with pin 410 and engageshead member 415 with the hook 420 within inner opening 410A to affixboth the locking pin 410, and the hook member 420 to head member 415.Because it is optionally intended for an extending pin member 403 topass through the eye opening in hook member 420 and lock to head member415, a secure force transfer path is created from eye member 416 back tothe end of the hook.

In this manner, it is suggested that a suitably constructed head membermay be readily joined to any number of conventionally shaped hookmembers or even suitably or custom made hook members.

Referring now to FIGS. 22A, 22B, 23A, and 23B, alternative lure systems500, 500′ are provided formed in manners discussed herein andincorporated by reference. A series of inner channels or openings 201Bare now positioned at the lure head to receive water flow from theretrieval action and urge it along an interior passage way or even aninternal chamber 201A″. As will be noted, additional side passages 201B″may connect main channel 201B″ to locations 201AB proximate the gills ofa lure, or optionally via channels 201A″ to a series of “nair” openingsto the front of the lure. It is envisioned that one or a series of scentsticks (shown) may be inserted into front channel 201B and that waterflow will pass over this stick and flow out the nair openings and gillopenings to more readily simulate a bait fish. Additionally, uponreceiving a strike-force, such strike force will force additional fluidflow along channels 201B (anywhere in the lure) and push out a “pulse”of scented water to further fix and secure the game fish to the bitefish.

Referring now to FIGS. 24A through 26, an alternative construction issuggested in lure system 600 including a lure body 402 and a “supperpopper” type head member 700 that is removably joined to lure body 402via compression or other suitable means including use of a locking pin208, 208D. Lure body 402 includes an eye 602 for securing a hook butthis is not required.

Head members 700, 700′, and 700″ are constructed from elastic andbuoyant EVA foam or other suitable material and has an inner shape anddiameter to fit over the outer shape and diameter of a lure in a snugway securing an elastic fit, and potentially being physically restrainedby eye member 602.

Head members 700, 700′, 700″ may be simply a cylinder as noted in FIG.25A, or may be formed on an inner and outer surface to enhance action,as noted as head member 700′ in FIG. 25B, or may be formed in any otherway to enhance fishing action—for example, head member 700, 700′, 700″may be formed as a slider for skimming lure (skimming surface 600proximate bottom of 700″ in FIG. 26) along a surface of the water, ormay be formed in any other surface or sub-surface action modifying shapewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In FIG. 26, a bottom plane surface and triangular head of head member700″ improve retrieval action, eye members 702 may readily replace/coverthe lure's existing eyes 601, providing a larger “eye” target forattack. Similarly, head member 700, 700′, and 700″ may include aplurality of inner channels 201, or a plurality of stopped channels(called chambers) for receiving a plurality of attractant or controlitems (weights, sounds, lights, colors, scents, etc.) as taught in thepresent disclosure.

Additionally, while heads 700, 700′, 700″ may be formed of any material,including: wood, metal, plastic, elastomeric materials, and rigidmaterials; each material employed may require a different method forsecuring it to the underlying lure. For example, a locking pin 208,208D, as earlier discussed may be insertable in a hole on a bottomsurface of head member 700′ and be pushed into the lure body to fix headmember 700″ in place. Additionally, as used herein, locking pin 208D maybe formed from lead, or any other metal for weight or strengthenhancement. It is envisioned, that due to the extreme size of headmember 701, that a plurality of openings, chambers, locking pins etc.,may be need to control the action of the lure during retrieval. Alsohead members 700, 700′, 700″ may be colored or decorated in any mannerknown to the art and as identified in the references incorporatedherein.

It is additionally envisioned, that the location of head members 700 et.seq. may need to accommodate hook eye member 602 to provide a uniformfront surface to the retrieval action, whereby a restricted or concaveportion 800 along a front surface of head member 700″ is removed andreceives eye 602 of the hook to allow head member 700 et. seq. to slideinto position.

Referring now to FIGS. 27 and 28 an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention is provided at lures 400′ and 400″ wherein a lure bodyas earlier discussed with all of the features earlier discussed receivesan external hook member 212′ or 212″ that is fed through the body of therespective lure in a direction that is off-angle or not in line with thelong direction of the lure body such that drawing the lure line indirection D′, or D″ causes respective lures 400′, 400″ to pivot widelyalong directions P at the head and tail members to additionally simulatea wounded and non-naturally swimming bait fish as an additionalattractant.

Referring now collectively to FIGS. 30 through 37 the earlier discussedfeatures are adapted to a number of alternative lure forms withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 30 to 32 a crab embodiment 800, 800′, or800″ is employed with a removable and replaceable leg member 801employing a fixing pin 208 as earlier discussed. Similarly a bittenregion 15 or 20 are provided where part of the crab embodiment isremoved to simulate a wounded bait crab and provide a visually appealinglure to a prey fish. As also noted body openings 122 may receive lightedmembers, scent sticks or weighted members in the manners discussedabove.

Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 35 a worm or shrimp type flexibleembodiment 800A, 800A′ provides a flexible curled tail 802 and a hookmember 803A, 803B that is either fixed in the body or fed through a bodyopening as shown in FIG. 35. What is additionally noted is a bitesection 805 removed from the lure to simulated a wounded region andsimilar receiving channels 122 and sound, light, or scent generators asearlier discussed.

The details in FIGS. 33 and 35 are similarly noted in FIG. 34 where arepresentation of a tiny shrimp or a leach 810 is provided with a bodyregion 811, a flexible tail member 811 or a replacement head member 812wherein a bite feature 813 is provided as is a through opening 122 forreceiving a scent member 812B.

Additionally, in FIGS. 36 and 37 a frog lure member 900 is provided witha bite or wound feature 913 and an opening channel 913′ for receiving ascent stick or other attractant 914. Additionally noted is a removableand replaceable leg member 901 joinable with a pin member 208, as shown.

In this manner it will be appreciated that the features discussed abovemay be readily adapted to a variety of alternative lure shapes withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 29 a kit assembly is provide as embodiment 950containing a variety of lure bodies 100, 200, 300, a variety of hookmembers separately packaged 951, a variety of locking pin members 208, aplurality of scent stick members 231, a plurality of weights 230, aplurality of sound attractant systems 240, and a plurality of finmembers 206 all packaged in a box member 952 for ready transport andstorage. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art havingstudied the attendant kit and assembly 950 the interchangeable featuresprovided may be employed to appeal to any of the five senses of the preyfish (sight, sound, feel, taste, and smell) to provide a five-senseslure to a user.

As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art having studied theincluded disclosure that the lure body while preferably flexible, mayeasily include each of the features in a substantially rigid or rigidbody with adaptations to accommodate the same. As noted one embodimentincluded a rigid head member, and where a rigid body member wereincluded the weights, scent sticks, colors, and other items insertablein the passages would still operate on a friction fit function but wouldnow engage the rigid sides of the passages with the spike members orrubber fingers or by mere friction itself so as to ensure a similaroperation.

As used in the claims the outer surface of the lure, the periphery shapeis the premetral or outer shape not bound to any particular specificshape (fish, crab, shrimp, frog, leach, worm, etc.) and refers broadlyto the existence of the shape but not a particular shape.

Similarly, it will be appreciated that a bite mark or recess type 16that passes from side to side of a lure may be applied to a non-fishshape (for example the crab and other non-fish-shape lures in the text,but also spoon type baits (rigid bent sheets of curved solid material)known to be of a type to those of skill in the art. As a result, it willbe appreciated that each of the above features may be applied to avariety of lures within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

It will be also appreciated that while embodiment 100 did not include ahook, the same may be provided in a kit or an assembly provided to thepublic with the other features as discussed herein without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Additionally, in regard to a kit or an assembly package, nothing hereinshall so limit the kit or assembly embodiment to those features shown.It will be understood that additional items may be included in the kitwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention,for example, additional fishing line, other lures, mechanical orelectronic noise or sound generating systems.

It will be additionally appreciated by those of skill in the art thatthe phases system or assembly may be used interchangeably based on thecontext without departing from the scope of the present invention andwithout limiting the particular claim or discussion. For example, asound generating system or a sound generating assembly will berecognized as including at least one of the sound creating (audiblevibration creating (in air or water)) items noted herein. Similarly, thefact that fish will both scent and taste the compounds and in the‘scent’ sticks is to be interpreted as limiting. It will be understoodthat some compounds may be ‘smelled’ and some may be ‘tasted’ by a fishand some may be both ‘smelled’ and ‘tasted’ without departing from thescope of the present discussion.

As will additionally be understood by those of skill in the art, thephrase ‘flexible’ or ‘adaptive’ when used to describe the lure systemitself will be understood similarly to mean a lure system wherein anumber of functions and options maybe inter-used or optionally employedaccording to the desire of a user. For example a flexible lure systemincludes many options as would an adaptive lure system.

Whereas the phrase ‘flexible’ when used to discuss the body of a lureitself refers to a characteristic of the body—namely being flexible orbendable itself. As a consequence, those of skill in the art willappreciate that a flexible lure system may have either a rigid lurebody, a flexible lure body or a jointly assembled flexible and rigidbody (as in FIGS. 14-14B) without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe present invention.

It will additionally be understood by those of skill in the art that theuse of the phrase fin member in the claims will be broadly interpretedto include shapes that represent fins on a fish-type lure, but may alsoinclude replacement limbs or other members of a non-fish type lure (forexample a replacement claw-leg in a crab-type lure or a replacement legin a frog-type lure).

It will also be understood by those of skill in the art that the phrasesbite mark or bite shape will be adequately represented by the phrasessemi-cylindraceous or semi-cylindrical without departing from the scopeand spirit of the present invention.

In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended tocover the structures described or suggested herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt maynot be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction betweena wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surfacepositively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compressopposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening woodenparts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art as equivalent structures.

Having described at least one of the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various changes, modifications, and adaptationsmay be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing fromthe scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adaptable fishing lure system, comprising: afishing lure body having an outer periphery surface; at least one meansfor replacably receiving and securing an attraction-feature in said lurebody within said outer periphery surface; said means for replaceablyreceiving and securing including at least a first receiving passageregion defined extending within said fishing lure body and opening at afirst location on said outer periphery surface; said means forreplacably receiving and securing further comprising and at least oneflow through passage region defined extending from said at least firstreceiving passage region to a second location on said outer peripherysurface, thereby forming a fluid communication path from said firstlocation on said outer periphery surface to said first receiving passageregion and further to said at least one flow receiving passage region atsaid second location on said outer periphery surface during a use; atleast one attraction-feature for said fishing lure body comprising ameans for dispersing one of a scent and a taste for said lure bodyduring said use; said means for dispersing a scent and a taste having anouter dimension shaped to be slidingly and replaceably securable withinsaid at least first receiving passage region; at least one fin-receivingopening bounded by a portion of said lure body; and at least onereplaceable fin member insertable in said at least one fin-receivingopening during said use, whereby said fishing lure body may be readilyprovided with replacement fins.
 2. The adaptable fishing lure system,according to claim 1, wherein: said means for replaceably receiving andsecuring said attraction-feature including at least a second receivingpassage region defined extending within said fishing lure body andaccessible on said outer periphery surface at a third location differentfrom said first location and said second location; said second receivingpassage region shaped to replaceably receive at least a secondattraction-feature for said fishing lure body; and said secondattraction-feature comprising at least one of a means for making asound, a vibration, and a visible emitted by said lure system duringsaid use of said lure system, and a means for modifying a weight of saidlure system during said use.
 3. A fishing lure kit, comprising incombination: a package for removeably bounding a plurality of fishinglure assembly members, comprising: a plurality of fishing lure bodies,each having an outer periphery surface; at least one means forreplacably receiving and securing an attraction-feature in at least oneof said lure bodies proximate said outer periphery surface; said meansfor replaceably receiving and securing including at least a firstreceiving passage region defined extending within said at least onefishing lure body and opening at a first location on said outerperiphery surface; said means for replacably receiving and securingfurther comprising and at least one flow through passage region definedextending from said at least first receiving passage region to a secondlocation on said outer periphery surface, thereby forming a fluidcommunication path from said first location on said outer peripherysurface to said first receiving passage region and further to said atleast one flow receiving passage region and to said second location onsaid outer periphery surface during a use; at least oneattraction-feature for said at least one fishing lure body comprising ameans for dispersing one of a scent and a taste for said at least onefishing lure body during said use; said means for dispersing said one ofsaid scent and said taste having an outer dimension shaped to bereplaceably securable within said at least first receiving passageregion; at least one fin-receiving opening bounded by a portion of insaid at least one of said fishing lure body; and at least onereplaceable fin member replaceably insertable in said at least onefin-receiving opening during said use, whereby said at least one fishinglure body may be readily provided with replacement fins during said use.4. The fishing lure kit, according to claim 3, wherein: said means forreplaceably receiving and securing said attraction-feature including atleast a second receiving passage region defined extending within eachsaid fishing lure body and accessible on said outer periphery surface ata third location different from said first location and said secondlocation; said second receiving passage region shaped to replaceablyreceive at least a second attraction-feature for said fishing lure body;and said second attraction-feature comprising at least one of a meansfor making a sound, a vibration, and a visible emitted by said luresystem during said use of said lure system, and a means for modifying aweight of said lure system during said use.